Medical Health Encyclopedia

Jock itch

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Fungus

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Jock itch

Definition:

Jock itch, also called tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin, is an infection of the groin area caused by fungi.

Alternative Names:
Fungal infection - groin; Infection - fungal - groin; Itching in the groin; Ringworm - groin; Tinea cruris; Tinea of the groin

Text Continues Below

---

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The body normally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Jock itch occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in the groin area.

Jock itch occurs almost exclusively in adult men. It can sometimes accompany athlete's foot and ringworm. The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas. Jock itch can be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area (such as from sweating).

Jock itch may be contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing. Jock itch usually stays around the creases in the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum or penis. It is often less severe than other tinea infections, but may last a long time. Jock itch may spread to the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort.

Other causes of itching in the groin include:

• Lichen simplex chronicus
• Eczema
• Pubic lice
• Chemical irritation

For itching of the groin in women, see vaginal itching.

References:

Habif, TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4^th Ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2004.

Rakel, P, ed. Textbook of Family Practice. 6^th Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2002.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.